The human stomach contains an acid called "hydrochloric acid." The primary function of this acid is to help the body break down the foods we consume. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid helps to kill off any harmful bacteria that have entered the stomach cavity.
Stomach acid is also needed to digest protein. The acid activates an enzyme, called pepsin, which breaks down the protein in the foods we eat. If a person has insufficient amounts of stomach acid, they may feel tired and weak. Even your hair, skin, and nails can become weak and deficiencies of vital hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters can result.
Stomach acid also stimulates the pancreas to produce digestive enzymes. When stomach acid mixes with the food we consume the resulting acidity concoction triggers your pancreas to release the digestive enzymes called lipase (which digest fat), amylase (to digest carbohydrates), and protease (to further digest protein). If there is hypochlorhydria, (deficiency of hydrochloric acid of the gastric juices in the stomach) Digestion of fat and carbohydrates may also become impaired, resulting in bloating, (increased stomach pressure) indigestion, and deficiency of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. in your body.
The stomach pH (potential of hydrogen) of your stomach acid is around 2 to 3, on a scale of 1 to 14. With a reading of 1 being very acidic, a reading of 7 being neutral and 14 is being too alkaline.
Ever wonder if your body is too acidic or overly alkaline and the condition is causing many of your health problems? If you experience a feeling of being unwell have stomach bloating, burping or belching, and experiencing flatulence more than normal then it is advisable to check your pH levels.
There is a simple home test you can do with litmus paper and then you will know. The following will help you check your own pH levels.
CHECKING pH LEVELS
You can purchase some "Litmus Paper" at the health food store, to check the "acidity of your saliva" which is an overall indicator of just how acidic you have become. Being too acidic is the major cause of disease such as heart disease and cancer so it is important to keep your pH levels in an alkaline state. A body that is in an acidic state means that all of your organs have to work much harder, which is going to cause even further health problems.
INSTRUCTIONS
You fill your mouth with saliva a couple of times and then spit into a container. Tear off a little piece of the "Litmus Paper" and dip it into the saliva. Leave it there until it changes color. (Approx 5 to 10 seconds) Then match your test paper up with the color chart on the package that the paper came in and you will see a value or a number. Your reading should be around 7.3 to 7.4; values lower than these are acidic and should be corrected. Do the test in the morning when your stomach is empty and then again in the evening before you retire and then you will have an average reading.
You can also check the pH of your urine. The reading should be 7.0. This test is best taken just before meals. Whether you check the pH of your saliva or urine it is advisable to keep a record of the test results so you can compare them against future tests.
Having a balanced pH system will improve the acidity of your body, and you will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Author Resource:-
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